How to guide your guests through the dress code – dos and don'ts

A clear dress code makes it easier for guests to know what to wear and what the atmosphere at the event will be like. However, vague or unusual wording can create uncertainty. What does ”country club casual” or ”festive relaxed” really mean? And which shoes are suitable if the party is held outdoors?

By providing guests with the right information right from the invitation, you reduce the risk of anyone feeling over- or underdressed. Here is a simple checklist to use when formulating the dress code for the next conference, company party, or other event.

Use clear dress codes

Start with a dress code that most people recognize. Terms like ”smart casual,” ”business casual,” ”jacket,” ”dark suit,” ”cocktail,” and ”formal attire” give guests a clearer picture of what level of attire is expected.

Avoid expressions that can be interpreted in several different ways, especially if the guests come from different backgrounds or are not accustomed to interpreting dress codes. ”Country club casual,” ”business chic” or ”festive relaxed” may sound inspiring, but do not always accurately describe what the guest is expected to wear.

If you want to use a more creative wording, please add a brief explanation.

Add context when needed

The dress code tells you what kind of attire is appropriate, but sometimes more information is needed to help the guest make an informed choice. The event's environment and format can be very important.

If the party is held outdoors on grass, for example, it might be a good idea to write: ”The event is held on grass – please remember to choose comfortable shoes.” If the evening includes both a conference and a dinner, you can also explain that guests are expected to wear the same attire throughout the entire event.

Small details can make a big difference and help guests plan an outfit that works throughout the day.

Be clear about what level applies

Avoid phrasing that makes it difficult to determine how dressed up the guest should be. If you want the guests to arrive dressed to party, it is better to write it clearly than to rely on a vague description. For example:

• Smart casual: smart trousers, shirt, blouse or dress. Jacket is optional.
• Business casual: dressy trousers, shirt, blouse or dress. A blazer is a good option.
• Jacket: a jacket with tailored trousers or a festive dress.
• Cocktail: festive dress, skirt or suit with a shirt and dressy shoes.
• Dark suit: dark suit with shirt and tie or an elegant evening dress.
• Formal attire: a frack or other very formal attire.

A brief description makes it easier for guests to interpret the dress code and reduces the risk of different interpretations.

Think about practical details

It’s easy to focus on the clothes and forget about other things that can influence guests’ choices. Therefore, consider whether there are practical prerequisites that should be communicated in advance.

Will the event be held outdoors? Is there a dress code for a dinner after the conference? Do the guests need to move between different locations? Or are there activities where a certain type of attire is more appropriate?

Information about, for example, shoes, weather, the outdoor environment, or changing clothes can make planning much easier for the guests.

Avoid too many rules

A dress code should help guests, not create more uncertainty. Therefore, try to keep the information concise and relevant. A clear dress code and one or two additional sentences about special circumstances are usually enough.

Avoid long lists of what guests are not allowed to wear. Instead, focus on what is appropriate and the feeling you want to create. A positive statement like ”We would appreciate it if you dress in a festive and elegant way” feels more welcoming than a long list of prohibitions.

Checklist for a clear dress code

Before you send out the invitation, you can quickly check that the information is easy to understand:

• Use a clear and well-known dress code
• Avoid unclear or overly creative wording
• Explain the dress code briefly if it can be interpreted in different ways
• Tell us whether the event is held outdoors or on a specific type of surface
• Inform about practical details that may affect the choice of clothing
• Specify whether the garment should function both during the day and at night
• Keep the information short, positive, and easy to find on the invitation

Make it easy for the guest

A well-thought-out dress code is not about deciding exactly what each guest should wear. It is about providing enough information so that everyone can make a safe choice.

With a clear dress code, relevant context, and a few practical details, it becomes easier for guests to prepare for the event. This creates a better experience even before they arrive, and at the same time helps ensure that the feeling and atmosphere you planned for actually comes through.